Former Badger Erin Byrd working in South Africa
June 18, 2009 | Volleyball
Former Badger Erin Byrd is currently pursuing her master's degree in business administration at the UW. The 2002 second-team All-American returned to Madison after playing professionally for six years, including 52 tournaments on the AVP tour. She is currently in South Africa, completing an internship as part of her master's program. Byrd recently took some time to write back about her experiences in Africa.
Hello Badger Fans,
I was able to see a lot of you last fall at the matches because I have returned to Madison to receive my MBA. I am so happy to be back and am enjoying my role as a Badger Volleyball fan.
This summer for my internship, I am working with Thembani International (www.tigf.co.za) in Pretoria, South Africa. We, with the support of American investors, guarantee loans for companies operated by the "historically disadvantaged," individuals denied freedoms during Apartheid. I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of these entrepreneurs and they are so genuine and passionate.
I also have done some traveling to Cape Town and have plans to ride elephants, go to a game park (Kruger) and visit the Indian Ocean beaches.
South Africa, like so many countries, has an incredible history that still affects day-to-day life here. Though they are by far the most-developed country in Africa with good infrastructure (and are busy constructing new stadiums, roads, and railroads for the World Cup 2010), life is much simpler here without all of the electronics, retailers and chain restaurants we are used to in America.
Overall, I am proud to be an American because of our freedoms and opportunities but will leave here humbled and grateful for my blessings.
See you in the fall!
Erin Byrd
Wisconsin Volleyball, 1999-2002
